Volunteer/Mentor

Join the Binghamton City School District!

When you become part of the BCSD team, you'll be working with all of us to make a difference in the lives and the futures of Binghamton's children. Be the difference by supporting our mission: "Educating, empowering and challenging all students to become productive, global citizens through innovative approaches to learning".

The Binghamton City School District welcomes those interested in volunteering or mentoring. This is a wonderful opportunity to positively influence our students and make a difference in their lives. Please complete the Volunteer/Mentor Application (link to the right) and return to our Mentor NOW Coordinator, Mary Ann Dorner.

F A Qs

Q: What is the time commitment required to be a mentor?

A: Mentors meet with their mentees one hour a week, on the same day at the same time each week for the entire school year.

Q: Does a mentor get to work with the same student each time?

A: Yes, the mentors work with one mentee the entire year, with the hopes that the mentor will continue with the same mentee as he/she moves up in grades.

Q: What activities do mentors and mentees participate in?

A: The program is primarily to provide a positive influence for the student’s social and emotional well-being. What a mentor does with a student is mentee-driven. A mentor and mentee could play board games, draw, do a puzzle, talk, read, etc together… This program is typically not for the mentor to help the mentee with their homework, however, this may be done if both wish to spend the time doing school work.

Q: Can I take my mentee off of school grounds?

A: No. There is one assigned room within the school for all of the mentors and mentees to meet each week.

Q: Can I choose the school I want to mentor at?

A: Yes, a mentor will be able to pick the day/building that they would like to mentor at.

Q: How do I apply to be a mentor?

A: First, you need to fill out a BCSD application and send it to the coordinator. The applications can be found at on the right hand navigation bar on this page. Once the application has been received, you will be contacted to schedule an interview and a one-hour training session. All mentors need to schedule a FREE appointment for fingerprinting.